Milano faces tough test for homecoming in Chilton

Pirates ranked No. 4 at 4-0 in battle of unbeatens

Milano quarterback Jordan Millar and his teammates will be challenged by a stingy Chiton defense.
Reporter/Holly Jentsch MILANO—After a much needed open date, already on the schedule, not due to the wet weather last Friday, the Milano Eagles will have a very tough test on their homecoming night.

The Eagles (3- 0) will put its undefeated season on the line as they host the No. 4 Chilton Pirates (4-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pruett Field.

The Pirates are coming off a thrilling 31-28 victory over Bosqueville.

The Pirates had dominated their first three opponents of the season to the tune of 143-26 before coming up with the win over the Bulldogs on a 41-yard field goal with four seconds to go last week.

“The are very fast and physical up front,” Eagles head coach Craig Jentsch said. “Even when you do everything right they make you look like you don’t. We can’t emulate that kind of speed in practice.”

The Pirates defeated Milano 48-31 last season.

“They are better than last year,” Jentsch said. “They are one of the best teams we’ve every played since I’ve been here.”

Chilton is lead by quarterback Javarius Young. He has rushed 317 yards on 45 attempts and three touchdowns, while passing for 114 yards on six of 15 attempts for three more scores. Running back Charles Simpson has tallied 357 yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries.

On defense, Kameron Smith leads the team with 23 tackles. Jake Giles and Simpson also have two picks each so far this season.

“We are prepared as much as we can be against that type of speed. We know they are going to have big plays,” Jentsch said. “We think we have got a good game plan. Our kicking game will be very important, as they are dangerous on kickoff and punt returns.”

The Pirates are picked to repeat as District 12A-II champions in front of Bremond, Normangee and Lovelady. Chilton went 5-6 in 2012 and were area finalist.

Sub varsity

Milano’s JV and junior high teams will play at Chilton on Thursday with games starting at 5 p.m.

On Sept. 19 Milano’s JV (0-3) lost 8-2 to Leon in a game that was called at the beginning of the fourth quarter due to lightning. Brian Judson caused a fumble in the end zone and Blake Harless recovered for the Eagles’ lone points.